Sallust, Gaius Sallustius Crispus (86– 34 BCE) of Amiternum, after a wild youth became a supporter of Julius Caesar. He was tribune in 53; expelled from the Senate in 50; was quaestor in 49, praetor in 46. He saw Caesar triumph in Africa and became governor of Numidia, which he oppressed. Later in Rome he laid out famous gardens, retired from public life, and wrote a monograph on Catiline’s conspiracy and one on the war with Jugurtha (both extant), and a history of Rome 78–67 BCE (little survives).
Though biased, Sallust’s extant work is valuable. It shows lively characterisation (in speeches after Thucydides’ manner) and attempts to explain the meaning of events. The work on Catiline has been called a study in social pathology. Sallust’s style anticipates that of the early Empire.
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